The latest provincial budget, tabled on April 16th, brought surprising new investments in some areas and underwhelming progress in others. Across Manitoba, CED initiatives foster economic revitalization, access to capital, local ownership of resources, labour market development, poverty reduction, social development, and environmental stewardship. Despite the proven impact of the CED approach, communities continue to lack the level of support they need from all levels of government. The Province of Manitoba must take an active role in providing that support. What follows is our analysis of how Budget 2013 responded to CCEDNet – Manitoba’s pre-budget submission that called on the Province to implement our member-endorsed policy resolutions.
“There isn’t an anti-poverty advocate who would claim that the Manitoba government has not done anything about poverty in this and previous budgets. But the government of Manitoba could have done far better in this budget and we will continue to call upon it to do so.”
Click here for a collaborative response to the Manitoba Budget written by our Kirsten Bernas and Shauna MacKinnon, the outgoing Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternative.
CCEDNet Board President Caroline Lachance and Policy Council Chair Norman Greenberg recently sent a letter to the leaders and environment critics of all federal parties in the House of Commons, encouraging action demonstrating a stronger commitment to sustainable development.
CCEDNet is concerned that the effects of climate change and overconsumption of the planet’s natural resources are negatively affecting local communities in Canada and internationally. A renewed commitment to sustainable development is needed to ensure viable livelihoods and healthy communities for current and future generations.
In addition to approving policies, international agreements, and specific measures that bring Canada in line with the many countries of the world that are committed to sustainable development, the letter urges the Government of Canada to support community economic development initiatives that integrate social, economic, and environmental sustainability. This could include making changes to Canada’s Agricultural Policy Framework to support initiatives that promote local and sustainable food and agricultural systems. It could also include empowering communities who are tackling climate change by shifting towards green business models and changing personal consumption patterns. These localized efforts need to be combined with a tangible federal commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting community-led approaches to sustainable development.
The letter concludes with an offer to share examples of how our members are contributing to these innovative practices across Canada, and to discuss ways that community economic development activities can be scaled up to support a sustainable environmental future.
Art Lew is the General Manager for Haida Gwaii Community Futures (HGCF) that he started operations in 1998. HGCF is a leader in building community capacity and supporting efforts to expand economic opportunities that promote community sustainability with particular emphasis on social enterprise. The board reflects the population distribution of the islands with 50% of it members being nominated by the Haida communities.
Art has been an active member of CCEDNet since its early years and is currently a board member. He is a member of the International Committee. HGCF is in partnership with Canadian Crossroads International and a Bolivian microfinance organization that supports exchanges between Canada and Bolivia.
Art holds University degrees in Business and in Community Economic Development. He has held positions in management consulting, in senior management in a variety of business sectors and as an owner manager of a small business. His CED experience has spanned the last 15 years.
Yvon was the founding president of the Corporation de développement économique communautaire (CDÉC) de Québec in 1994. He has been involved in international networking related to the social solidarity economy and local development since 2003. He has participated in the World Social Forums of 2005, 2009 and 2013, as well as the United States Social Forum in 2007 and 2010. He participated in the RIPESS (Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of the Social Solidarity Economy) conferences in Dakar in 2005 and Luxemburg in 2009, as well as other events in Asia in 2007, 2009 and 2011.
He was member of the governance committee that revised CCEDNet’s by-laws in 2007 and served as Elections Officer from 2006 to 2012. He wrote CCEDNet’s virtual election procedure in 2008.
A retired college teacher and union activist, he was an individual member of CCEDNet between 2003 and 2010, and represents the CDÉC de Québec since 2011.
This past spring I contributed a paper on local development and the social economy in Québec that was published as part of an ebook on international approaches to local development by LDNet. LDNet is an European organisation set up as a reference center for the new European Union Community-Led Local Development program for the 2014-2020 period.
LOCAL DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL ECONOMY IN QUEBEC
Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Background: Canada, Québec and the regional/local level context
2.1 Local development in Canada: a brief overview
2.2 Local socio-economic development in Quebec: a historical perspective
2.3 The social economy in Quebec and its place in local development
3. Linking social economy and local development: the CLDs
The 12th edition of the World Social Forum (WSF), held in Tunis from March 26th to 30th, was a true testament of the struggles of social movements and civil society in Tunisia, who identify themselves as the main actors of the Arab Spring, and offered a broad representation of the global social movements that support the Tunisian people. Tens of thousands of people attended the opening march on March 26th, after a morning meeting of women that took place in a crowded auditorium. In all 1,200 workshops and conferences followed. The WSF ended on with a march in support of the Palestinian people.
The social and solidarity economy held an important place in the programming. The initiative presented in the printed program was that of the NOMAD 08 cooperative. This coop brings together a group of eight young unemployed graduates from Redeyef City in southern Tunisia and specializes in manufacturing electronic interpretation equipment, the same used during the WSF. With the tens of thousands of unemployed youth in Tunisia, the NOMAD cooperative sets a great example and this explains the organizers’ choice of presenting NOMAD in the forefront to illustrate the historic Forum motto: Another World Is Possible.
RIPESS (the Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of the Social Solidarity Economy), including RIPESS Europe, RIPESS North America and the African Network of Social Solidarity Economy (RAESS) organized seven workshops, attended by nearly 300 people. Several regional organizations joined our efforts to facilitate the workshops and discussed the role of SSE in Africa, food sovereignty, the informal economy and economic democracy as an alternative to capitalism and neoliberal globalization. We heard many testimonies of participants from sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa or South America, by organizations that carry out activities with women, with youth or that are fighting against land grabbing or unemployment. We also insisted that the SSE is not an economy of repair but the construction of a new worldview and applicable alternatives to neoliberal economic devastation.
The RIPESS member organizations at the WSF were able to converge and work together, in collaboration with Tunisian organizations interested in the SSE, to promote the SSE as an alternative.
In our workshops, and outside of them, we found strong support for the idea that the SSE can be a suitable approach for the Tunisian people, and especially young people, to organize in different regions of the country, in order to develop activities for a better life.
We wish to testify to the warm welcome of the Tunisians. We also want to share our feeling that the SSE is already alive and well in Tunisia.
Earlier this month, Canadian CED Network – Manitoba was recognized for its work in educating Manitobans about the environmental, social, and economic benefits of sustainable development. Each year, the Province of Manitoba celebrates individuals and organizations that turn the province’s guidelines for sustainability into concrete achievements through the Excellence in Sustainability Awards.
CCEDNet-Manitoba received the Education for Sustainability Award. This distinction recognizes CCEDNet-Manitoba’s efforts to inform policymakers and citizens about the benefits and impacts of using a holistic approach towards sustainable development, which seeks to build strong, equitable and more environmentally-friendly communities. Our Manitoba office was recognized for four key areas of work:
Public Education & Outreach: Through practical and cutting-edge research, CCEDNet-Manitoba helps celebrate the success of innovative sustainable development programs throughout the province. With our communications outlets, CCEDNet-Manitoba engages with thousands of Manitobans on a regular basis, and helps keep them informed about the latest news and events related to sustainability.
Community Capacity Building: CCEDNet-Manitoba’s workshops and learning events educate Manitobans on the benefits of sustainability, and help build the skills and capacity of non-profits across the province so they can maximize their community impact.
Policy Action: To create a supportive policy environment for sustainable development, CCEDNet-Manitoba actively works with local government officials to enact legislative changes that support and strenthen the work of its members.
Lead by Example: As an organization, CCEDNet-Manitoba has seized every opporunitiy to make its day-to-day operations as sustainable as possible – from conducting an environmental audit, to achieving 100% participation rate in the Commuter Challenge.
Click the link below to download the entire nomination for CCEDNet-Manitoba (pdf).
The Award places CCEDNet-Manitoba in the impressive company of other organizations such as: Assiniboine Credit Union, East Interlake Conservation District, Gimli, Green Action Centre, and the Winnipeg Folk Festival.
Manitobans need a poverty reduction and social inclusion strategy that recognizes and builds on the important CED initiatives that are building stronger communities across the province. This will require a plan that increases income assistance to those in need, develops a strong social enterprise sector, enhances accessibility for all, improves access to affordable housing, and provides support for early childhood development.
These core recommendations are explained in full in CCEDNet-Manitoba’s recent submission to Province of Manitoba. Our submission was sent in response to the Province’s call for public consultations on ALL Aboard: Manitoba’s Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion Strategy. In addition to supporting employment development, accessibility, affordable housing, and child care, CCEDNet-Manitoba also submitted a series of recommendations regarding the structure of the plan. We recommend that the Province of Manitoba:
Attach outcome-based targets and timelines to its poverty reduction indicators to enhance accountability
On March 19, the Québec Government introduced the Social Economy Act.
The objective of this bill is to recognize the contribution of the social economy to the socioeconomic development of Québec and to determine the role of the Government in that area. It works to promote the social economy and support its development through the creation and adaptation of policy tools, and to foster access to the Administration’s measures and programs for social economy enterprises.
The Chantier de l’économie sociale and the Conseil québécois de la coopération et de la mutualité are designated as primary interlocutors of the Government on the subject.
The functions of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy as regards the social economy are clarified, and a Panel of Social Economy Partners is created to advise the Minister.
Ministers must take the social economy into consideration in existing measures and programs, when updating those measures and programs, and in developing new tools for enterprises. They must also, whenever it is relevant, promote the social economy initiatives carried out in Québec.
Lastly, measures are proposed to ensure the Administration’s accountability with respect to the social economy through planning, follow-up and reporting, including the adoption of an action plan and the tabling of reports on the carrying out of the Act.
It is hoped that the Act will be passed by summer.
Nominations are currently being sought for two positions on CCEDNet’s Board of Directors. CCEDNet members with energy and a vision for the CED movement in Canada are encouraged to submit their candidacy. The deadline to receive nominations is April 8, 2013.
This year we are seeking nominations for two at-large directors who will be elected to a three-year term by the members.
All resolutions must be submitted to info at ccednet-rcdec.ca no later than April 8, at 5:00 p.m. (EST). Late resolutions will be held over to the AGM in the following year.
All sponsors of resolutions will be contacted no later than April 25. At that time, sponsors will be notified that their resolution will be presented at the AGM or that the resolution has been rejected because it does not fulfill the requirements.
Community investment, not austerity, the key to economic growth
Austerity measures are not the way to kickstart an already stagnant economy, warns the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
With the release of its annual Alternative Federal Budget (AFB), the CCPA shows how austerity can be replaced by a plan that strengthens the economy, leads to a better quality of life for all Canadians, and eliminates the deficit by 2016. The Alternative Federal Budget shows what the federal government could do if it decided to seriously tackle Canadians’ largest social, economic, and environmental concerns.
“Instead of budgeting with eyes wide shut, the AFB responds to the issues that most Canadians struggle with every day. It invests in programs that are good for growth and good for Canadians, while balancing the books,” said CCPA Senior Economist Armine Yalnizyan in a press release published earlier this week.
Rather than focussing on misguided defecit cutting, the CCPA argues for investment in much-needed services and programs for Canadian communities. Targeted government spending in areas such as national child care, community-based health care, and basic infrastructure repairs can help stimulate employment while building stronger local economies across the country. Proposed AFB initiatives include a Community Economic Development Policy Framework, and a Neighbourhood Revitalization Fund. According to the CCPA, the AFB Plan would generate 200,000-300,000 full time jobs.
The AFB Plan:
Reduces poverty and inequality by investing in child care, pharmacare, affordable housing, income supports, and post-secondary education,
Tackles the ongoing crisis for First Nations housing, drinking water, education,
Implements a long term, transparent and public plan for investments in infrastructure,
Creates 300,000 jobs, lowering the unemployment rate to 6% by 2014, and
Introduces a new top personal income tax bracket, closes the biggest tax loopholes, and introduces a withholding tax on tax havens.
British Columbia will soon become home to a new corporate structure designed to bridge the gap between for-profit businesses and non-profit enterprises. The B.C. government approved regulations in early March 2013 to allow the creation of community contribution companies (CCCs), a hybrid business model designed to spur private investment in the province’s social enterprise sector. The establishment of CCCs was originally proposed in Bill 23, The Finance Statutes Amendment Act, which was introduced in March, 2012
Inspired by a similar policy in the U.K., CCCs will have access to privileges currently unavailable to non-profits, such as the ability to accept equity investment, issue shares, and pay shareholder dividends. These regulatory changes recognize the important economic impacts of social enterprises, and will help the sector sustain their important community-based missions.
This announcement was welcome news for Canada’s social enterprise sector, and marks a clear commitment from B.C. to remain at the cutting edge of social investment policy. The new regulations are slated to take effect on July 29, 2013.
How will it work?
CCCs are required to devote a portion of their profits to community purposes, which are determined at the time of incorporation.
CCCs will be restricted abilities to distribute profits. Investor returns will be controlled according to set regulations.
CCCS are to remain accountable to the community. All incorporated CCCs will be obligated to publish an annual report outlining its community impact spending.
“This step keeps British Columbia at the front of the pack when it comes to demonstrating leadership in the area of social innovation and social entrepreneurship.”
– Honourable Moira Stilwell, Minister of Social Development
Have you ever attended meetings that go nowhere? Or, seen presentations that bored your socks off? Have you seen too many PowerPoints? Avoid these plagues and learn the basics of facilitation including what it is and when to use it. Through the interactive activities of the workshop, participants will create the beginning of a facilitation toolkit with processes they can immediately implement.
Facilitator – Lynn Ann Lauriault | Instructor in the CD/CED Program, Red River College:
Lynn Ann Lauriault is a graduate of the University of Toronto, with a B.A. in Sociology & Political Science and a Masters in Adult Education and Community Development (O.I.S.E.). She has worked as a facilitator of Community Development in urban & rural settings in various parts of Canada and in Africa. She currently teaches the Community Development/Community Economic Development program at Red River College where ‘Facilitating Empowering Processes’ is one of the courses.
Facilitator – Mike Tutthill | Planning & Evaluation Facilitator, Health in Common: Mike Tutthill is a Planning & Evaluation Facilitator at Health in Common where he helps organizations and communities develop and facilitate planning and needs assessments through gathering information and local knowledge to support planning processes, create community development tools, and implement plans. Mike holds an undergraduate degree in International Development Studies from the University of Winnipeg and a certificate in Community-driven Health Impact Assessment from the Coady International Institute at St. Francis Xavier University.
Practical, Tactical Strategies to Drive Community Engagement through Social Media
April 18 | 1:00 – 4:00pm | United Way Learning Centre | 580 Main St.
Getting information about your message, programs, events, and services out to your community and the broader public is an important part of community development. Social media can be a powerful tool, but you need information and expertise to use it effectively. In this interactive session, you will explore – and find answers – to questions such as:
Is social media a right fit for my organization?
Which social media channels should I be on? Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, etc.
How do I get people to listen to what I’m saying online?
We’ve got no money. How do we get this done on a shoe-string budget?
Facilitator – Joseph Ranseth | Senior Marketing Strategist, Vine Multimedia:
Actively involved in internet marketing since 1999, Joseph Ranseth is an innovator in using social media to bring communities together for positive purposes. Recognized as one of the most Inspiring People On Twitter by the Huffington Post, Joseph has been featured several times on TV (Fox News, CBS, City TV) for his viral campaigns. Joseph has recently returned from years of living in Phoenix to his home Winnipeg to launch his own purpose-driven marketing agency Vine Multimedia, serving as the Senior Marketing Strategist. An active volunteer, Ranseth is on the board of directors for the National Autism Association in the US, is an active volunteer & major donor with the United Way of Winnipeg, and – most proudly – he is a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg.
Engaging People in Community Development
May 2 | 1:00 – 4:00pm | United Way Learning Centre | 580 Main St.
Community development is rooted in a belief that people have special knowledge, skills, and experience regarding their communities, and should be involved in programming, planning, and action to make change. However, there are many challenges to getting people to attend events, get involved in programs, or take part in planning or visioning for their community. Various tools and approaches developed for city and community planning can help mitigate conflict and maximize opportunities to build a common vision and collaborative partnerships, which leads to successful community development. This workshop will explore different engagement and participatory planning strategies, consider ways to deal with some of the most likely challenges in the process, as well as featuring tips and stories by local community development workers with a wealth of experience successfully engaging their communities.
Facilitator – Brendan Reimer | Regional Coordinator, Canadian CED Network:
Brendan Reimer is the Regional Coordinator for the Prairies and Northern Territories at the Canadian Community Economic Development Network, a Board Member at the Assiniboine Credit Union, as well as a member of the Social Enterprise Council of Canada. Working out of the new Social Enterprise Centre at 765 Main Street, Brendan is a teacher and an organizer, and works hard to change policy in support of building fairer and stronger local economies, reducing poverty and homelessness, and creating more sustainable communities. He has taught the “Management of Non-Profits” course at the University of Winnipeg’s School of Business and Administration, and facilitates many workshops every year on the topics of CED, social enterprise, building financial sustainability in non-profits, and understanding and advancing policy.
Build & Grow Your Social Enterprise
May 16 | 9:00am – 3:30pm | Social Enterprise Centre | 765 Main St.
If your nonprofit is interested in exploring the social enterprise model, or if you are looking to strengthen an existing social enterprise, this is the workshop for you. This highly effective, informative and interactive session provides an overview of the ‘what and how’ of social enterprise. Learn about the steps of development for social enterprise and hear lots of examples of successful Canadian social enterprises. All participants will receive a copy of enp’s comprehensive Canadian Guide to Social Enterprise, and become eligible for an enp-mb Social Enterprise Development Grant.
Click here to learn more about Enterprising Non-Profits – Manitoba
Facilitator – David LePage | Program Manager, Enterprising Non-Profits:
David LePage is the Program Manager of Enterprising Non-Profits in Vancouver. He is a member of the Social Enterprise Council of Canada, board member of Social Enterprise Alliance, and a collaborator with the Social Enterprise World Forum. He has been engaged in the social economy for nearly forty years, including inner city and rural economic development, community media, and social enterprise.
Facilitator – Brendan Reimer | Regional Coordinator, Canadian CED Network: Brendan Reimer is the Regional Coordinator for the Prairies and Northern Territories at the Canadian Community Economic Development Network, a Board Member at the Assiniboine Credit Union, as well as a member of the Social Enterprise Council of Canada. Working out of the new Social Enterprise Centre at 765 Main Street, Brendan is a teacher and an organizer, and works hard to change policy in support of building fairer and stronger local economies, reducing poverty and homelessness, and creating more sustainable communities. He has taught the “Management of Non-Profits” course at the University of Winnipeg’s School of Business and Administration, and facilitates many workshops every year on the topics of CED, social enterprise, building financial sustainability in non-profits, and understanding and advancing policy.
Counselling and Communication Skills for Difficult Situations
May 30 | 9:00am – 4:00pm | United Way Learning Centre | 580 Main St.
Working in the community can sometimes mean interacting with people dealing with high levels of stress, difficult life situations, or challenges with mental health. This workshop focuses on the foundational skills to have an effective conversation with individuals who are having difficulty and may be in crisis situations. This includes an introduction to trauma informed care, and foundational communication skills required in helping conversations. Additionally the workshop includes how crises develop and common emotional, cognitive, and behavioural responses to crisis. Participants will also learn a counselling model to use when engaging with individuals in crisis used on Klinic’s crisis lines. This workshop uses a mixture of lecture, group discussion, audio examples, and case study to facilitate participant learning. Also expect a guest appearance from members of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and Canadian Mental Health Association who will explain what other resources are out there to help you create an accessible workplace committed to inclusion and promoting good mental health.
Facilitator – Lyndsay Hersikorn | Trainer & Counsellor, Klinic Community Health Centre:
Klinic is a member of the Manitoba Association of Community Health providing a full range of health related services from medical care to counselling to education. Klinic promotes health and quality of life for all aiming to help people make choices about their own health. Lyndsay Hersikorn is a trainer and counsellor at Klinic Community Health Centre. She provides public education, training, and professional development in a number of clinical areas. She is a certified crisis counsellor through the American Association of Suicidology. As a counsellor at Klinic she has experience working with individuals in crisis, and individuals with histories of trauma.
The Spring 2013 Strengthening Non-Profits Workshops are hosted by Spark – A Service of the Canadian CED Network, with support from the United Way of Winnipeg
CCEDNet Board President Caroline Lachance and Policy Council Chair Norman Greenberg recently sent a letter to the leaders and environment critics of all federal parties in the House of Commons, encouraging action demonstrating a stronger commitment to sustainable development. 
Manitobans need a poverty reduction and social inclusion strategy that recognizes and builds on the important CED initiatives that are building stronger communities across the province. This will require a plan that increases income assistance to those in need, develops a strong social enterprise sector, enhances accessibility for all, improves access to affordable housing, and provides support for early childhood development.
On March 19, the Québec Government introduced the Social Economy Act.
Community investment, not austerity, the key to economic growth
British Columbia will soon become home to a new corporate structure designed to bridge the gap between for-profit businesses and non-profit enterprises. The B.C. government approved regulations in early March 2013 to allow the creation of community contribution companies (CCCs), a hybrid business model designed to spur private investment in the province’s social enterprise sector. The establishment of CCCs was originally proposed in Bill 23, The Finance Statutes Amendment Act, which was introduced in March, 2012
Facilitator – Lynn Ann Lauriault | Instructor in the CD/CED Program, Red River College:
Facilitator – Mike Tutthill | Planning & Evaluation Facilitator, Health in Common:
Facilitator – Joseph Ranseth | Senior Marketing Strategist, Vine Multimedia:
If your nonprofit is interested in exploring the social enterprise model, or if you are looking to strengthen an existing social enterprise, this is the workshop for you. This highly effective, informative and interactive session provides an overview of the ‘what and how’ of social enterprise. Learn about the steps of development for social enterprise and hear lots of examples of successful Canadian social enterprises. All participants will receive a copy of enp’s comprehensive Canadian Guide to Social Enterprise, and become eligible for an enp-mb 
Facilitator – David LePage | Program Manager, Enterprising Non-Profits:
Facilitator – Brendan Reimer | Regional Coordinator, Canadian CED Network:
